With an estimated 250,000 gamblers, whose past time has become ‘problematic’, there was fear from regulatory and government bodies that with the introduction of various new mediums, including online casinos and poker rooms, that this figure would dramatically increase. However, and surprisingly for many, the percentage of people within the UK with a so called ‘gambling problem’ has in fact fallen from 72% in 1999 to 68% this year.

Although this figure does not show the entire picture, with the majority of this 4% change being directly attributed to a decline in players of the national lottery, it is indeed welcomed news for those who had expected a sharp rise.

This study, entitled the ‘Gambling Prevalence Study’ and conducted between September 2006 and March 2007, questioned approximately 9,000 adults in relation to a total of 17 different forms of gambling. Head of the study, Peter Dean, concluded that more than 99% of adult gamblers did not fall into this problem group and that overall, despite the introduction of new gambling methods, the number of people who regularly enjoyed a flutter had decreased.

So why are less people gambling, considering the relative ease with which you can now take part? Why has the advent of online gambling been apparently unable to entice more people into playing, and more often? Well, the truth of the matter is that they have succeeded in drawing gamblers into their virtual casinos. Other than a significant decrease in those playing the national lottery, every other form of gambling has seen a steady rise on the figures of 1999.

On the face of things this is not something to be too concerned about. In comparison to other countries around the globe the UK ranks amongst the likes of Canada and New Zealand, with gambling levels far lower than in the USA. It is also good news for the tax man, who made a staggering £2 Billion from gambling last year alone.

This probe was announced by Gordon Brown as a way in which the government could assess its plan of regenerating deprived and run-down areas with the introduction of super casinos, with the first to have been built in Manchester later this year. However, with the conclusion of this study and the findings which do show increased popularity for non-lottery based gambling, the government have decided against their super casino plans.

One spokesman for the Prime Minister went on record saying “While the report shows that problem gambling still only affects a small minority of people, it does remain a serious issue and something that has to be addressed. The prime minister said in July that the issue relating to a super-casino is whether or not this is the best way of meeting our regeneration objectives.”

The in depth findings of this report are due to be published very shortly and I am sure that the gaming industry, as well as other keen industry experts, will indeed be very interested in reviewing the conclusions of the gambling commission.

Online casino gambling is handier than gaming at the land-based casino. However it is also more dangerous. Rather than the usual risks which found while gaming, there’s some risk of scams and fraud at web-based casino sites. These scams are really normal. The web is the simple target for all types of dishonest peoples and scammers, and few of them target only those who play on the internet.

So before you play at a web-based casino web site, there are few things you have to check. First of all check whether the online gambling site is legit. Beware of dishonest people because they could copy the template of legit gambling site to build their sites appear just like the genuine one. Check the web site that you’re on whether it is actually what you think of.

To avoid going to the unreal casinos, you have to discover the online gambling through the reliable company, like the Interactive gambling commission. When somebody invites you to the internet-based gambling which you aren’t familiar, then without investigating the site don’t make any deposits. If the web site is the illegitimate one rather than the legal casino, they may eat up your money before you understand what is happening.

Do research for members at internet gambling companies. Majority of the dishonest people don’t bother to try signing up these companies. They generally change their name of their web site more often to avoid getting captured.

There is another risk which you must be aware of while gaming on the internet is the danger of getting hooked or addicted to casinos. Naturally, this risk is there in any type of casino, whether you play online or offline. You should not view gambling as a technique to get some extra bucks. It’s only a kind of entertainment. If you gain some bucks, that is good. But you should view that as the bonus, not as the major reason for gambling.

If you consider the online casino gambling as a way to live, then you sure will be hooked. Be sure not to spend a lot of bucks on betting than you may spend to lose. If you feel sorrow spending your bucks when it is lost, then you should not spend it to gamble.

While gambling you should limit the risk by setting limits for spending your money before you gamble. Don’t forget to set the time limit too. Decide how much bucks you are going to spend for gambling and how long need to play, and then stick with this limits. You may face some problems while gambling if you find yourself sinking into bucks that you should not be spending or spending all of your free time at the online casino gambling web sites.

Newcomers to the online gambling world usually start their gaming careers with many questions. Which gambling games can I find online? How do I open an account and how will I receive my winnings? These are important points to consider when you’re setting yourself up for gambling online. However, one question seems to take precedence with most players and that is how one finds the safest online casinos to play at.

The internet gambling industry was first developed in the late 1990′s. Because it was a new market, there were few regulatory bodies or organizations that protected players from unscrupulous gambling firms. As a result, many fly by night gaming sites were established. These offered little security or guarantee that players could expect to receive their winnings in a timely and professional manner. Unfortunately, some internet gaming fans lost money at these sites.

However, thanks to the rapid development of the industry and the demand for safe and secure gaming, it is far more difficult to play at a questionable site today than it is to play at a reputable one. Most internet casino firms pride themselves on their professionalism and work hard to provide a stress-free environment for their valued customers.

So how do you know you’re playing at a casino online that is 100 percent safe, secure and trustworthy? The first thing to do is ensure the casino is licensed. Before you create an account to sign for online casino games, check the site’s licensing information. This should be prominently displayed on its website. You will find that some licenses are awarded by governments, such as the British Government and the Government of Antigua. Other licenses are from recognized state authorities such as the Kahnawake Gambling Commission.

You can also make sure you give yourself the best possible protection by only playing at sites that are eCOGRA members. eCOGRA is the online gaming industry’s top watchdog organization and upholds the values of fair play, security and honesty that its member sites are associated with. Check your online casino to see if it sports the eCOGRA Seal of Approval. If your casino has this seal, you can rest assured you’re in good hands. To become a member, online casino firms must meet strict criteria set out by eCOGRA and submit to regular third party auditing to ensure fairness.

eCOGRA also offers a player dispute service, so you can be assured of its professional support if any issues arise at your site. A liaison service will listen to your issues and work to resolve them with your online casino. eCOGRA packs a powerful punch in the industry and resolves most of the disputes it involves itself with. This offers valuable peace of mind to many online casino players, especially if you’re new and about to try online gambling for the first time.

So if your site is fully licensed and an eCOGRA member, you’re ready to get started. Simply download your online casino software and get ready for a fun, secure and worry-free gaming experience.

The Gambling Commission has notified the trade of its continued tough line on operators who attempt to increase the number of gaming machines on their premises, either by splitting their premises or by applying for a license for which they have no intention of operating the primary activity of the license.

In a letter to a number of trade bodies, the Commission warns that since it published a supplement to its License Conditions and Codes of Practice in May last year, it has made what it calls targeted representations against a number of premises license applications where it has perceived operators have overstepped the mark laid down in the supplementary code.

In particular, the Commission’s letter mentions:

… [a] proposal to split what had been one betting premises into two betting premises and another which proposed to change the premises license in a building which contained two adult gaming centres into a betting premises and an adult gaming centre.

The supplementary code makes it clear what factors should be evident to show that operators are providing the primary gambling activity under the premises license and the Commission has signalled it is working with LACORS and local authorities in making representations.

In the eighteen cases it has made representations, each application has been withdrawn. This issue is clearly not yet settled. If you have any plans to split your licensed premises then you should consult a specialist betting and gaming licensing solicitor. The Gambling Commission or your local Licensing Authority (the local council) may also be able to assist you.